Science Committee Democratic staff reported on May 3 that President Trump has dismissed all members of the National Science Board. The board is responsible for advising Congress and the president about activities of the National Science Foundation, as established in the National Science Foundation Act of 1950.
The removal of the board raises concerns about scientific leadership and advice at a national level. The board’s purpose is to provide nonpartisan guidance regarding science policy.
“This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren. “The NSB is apolitical. It advises the president on the future of NSF. It unfortunately is no surprise a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation. Will the president fill the NSB with MAGA loyalists who won’t stand up to him as he hands over our leadership in science to our adversaries? A real bozo the clown move.”
Lofgren currently serves in Congress representing California’s 18th district, having replaced Don Edwards in 1995, according to official records. She previously served on Santa Clara County’s Board of Supervisors from 1981 until her election to Congress, as reported by the Biographical Directory of Congress.
Born in San Mateo, California in 1947, Lofgren resides in San Jose at age 75, according to local sources. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Stanford University in 1970 and her law degree from Santa Clara University in 1975, according to her official biography.
Observers will be watching closely how new appointments might affect U.S. science policy going forward.
